[AVM]

I shared my introduction in a separate thread. In short, set plans in motion to move out of the Porsche lineup into an M2 Competition. I increasingly realized I was a ‘Porsche Guy’ and, in what seemed an act of fate, I came across a new 718 CGTS spec’d perfectly to my liking. . . cancelled my M2C build and the rest is history.

The one aspect of the car for which I was unfamiliar was the Sport Tex seats. One of those things that I could not initially put my fingers on. . . in other words, do not know how I initially felt about them? The seats are 18-way sport seats. Save for the central Sport Tex material, leather along the surround. Although not ‘all leather’ as we have become accustomed in higher quality builds, the seats were aesthetically pleasing - very 'sporty' in appearance.

Anyway, with some ‘seat time,’ I must admit that I am completely hooked on the Sport Tex seat material. Extremely comfortable. Material really grips my body. Seats seem to be almost self-ventilated, as they are never hot – which down in the southern climate is quite a statement. Durability wise, too early to tell, but my sense is that they will wear as good, if not better than quality leather.

Upon encountering Sport Tex for the first time, I did have to look the material up online. Others have posted their views on this material, which seems overwhelmingly positive. I just wanted to add my $0.02 incase anyone else is considering this option.

I have spent plenty of time on the Porsche build site over the years, and honestly do not ever recall seeing the Sport Tex option – I must have completely overlooked the option, thinking only full leather seating would be adequate? By no means do I consider the Sport Tex any type of ‘step down’ in quality. In fact, if/when I build my next Porsche, I will most definitely pursue the Sport Tex option.

Overall, a HUGE ‘LIKE’ regarding the Sport Tex seat option!

Anyone on the fence, do not think you are taking a step down in quality, comfort or appearance.

AVM

 

[don]

Yes I think Sport Tex seats are one of those very practical and comfortable options but don't look as luxurious as the less practical and hotter leather and alcantara. Nick Murry youtuber I think has a good review on Sport tex and swears by it.

I remember when the Saab 9-3 aero/vector came out there was the option of a similar material but I don't think it caught on. It would be interesting to find out the history of the Porsche Sport Tex product and what sort of synthetic it actually is.

 

[AVM]

Yes I think Sport Tex seats are one of those very practical and comfortable options but don't look as luxurious as the less practical and hotter leather and alcantara. Nick Murry youtuber I think has a good review on Sport tex and swears by it.

I remember when the Saab 9-3 aero/vector came out there was the option of a similar material but I don't think it caught on. It would be interesting to find out the history of the Porsche Sport Tex product and what sort of synthetic it actually is.

Thank you Don

If anyone thinks they look 'cheap' online, I can tell you nothing could be further from the truth in person. In fact, my 718 CGTS has full leather package, and spec'd to brim - so I seriously doubt the Sport Tex seats were an attempt to skimp or save a few bucks.

The point of my original post was to suggest the Sport Tex seats should not be viewed as a 'compromise' of any sort . . . at least in my opinion

Thank you for the Nick Murry reference. I will try and find his YT video.

AVM

 

[don]

Yes, Sport Tex seats are definitely not a compromise and I believe in fact cost more to option!

 

[Gtipirelli]

I love my sportex seats and the option also gives you contrast stitching across the whole interior leather. It looks stunning

 

[MOG_80TH]

While I do not have experience of Sport Tex, it is what I built my whole configuration spec around! At first it was the colour combination of Graphite and Crayon that sold me. Duo-tone interior, contrast stitching and how it's the seat centres that are dark and the outer parts that are light. Normally this is done in reverse.

As AVM, I never spec'd it on the configurator as I always go for full leather and dismissed Sport Tex even thought visually, the colour split looked quite smart. It was only when I saw it in person and was able to sit and feel it that I knew it was the right one.

On a side note, my line of work has me surrounded by unique interiors. I run Bentley's car configurator and have the honour of seeing the craftwork of our artisans coming out of the factory. It's those unique colour splits that many customers commission that has me always looking/wanting for something different. Sorry - long story and not 100% relevant.

It's great that Porsche offer such individualisation.

Lastly, we do often have clients asking when we will offer a hide alternative and I suspect you will see more and more premium and luxury manufactures offering it.

@ AVM, thanks for positive review. Has me feeling even better about this choice

 

[Silversword]

On a side note, my line of work has me surrounded by unique interiors. I run Bentley's car configurator and have the honour of seeing the craftwork of our artisans coming out of the factory. It's those unique colour splits that many customers commission that has me always looking/wanting for something different. Sorry - long story and not 100% relevant.

That is actually pretty cool. I think its relevant too. There is no doubt a full leather seat/interior looks "luxury" when its fresh and new - and I think its almost expected in top end cars - but that doesn't mean its the always best material for sitting on. I love my sport-tex seats and if I was buying again, that would be my preference: They don't scald you after sitting in the sun all day like leather would, and they don't make your legs sweaty.

 

[Chris NZ]

Love my Sport Tex seats. I remember when I started investigating spec options I asked a sales person if he had an example with Sport Tex seats, he looked at me incredulously as if to say "why would you want to do that?!". Leather is really seen as a 'must have' premium option in NZ - so much so that our 911s come with full leather as standard (apparently it is what NZ customers expect at that price point!). Although I think it also has something to do with differentiating NZ spec cars from the European ones (to counter grey imports) and to justify the price premium.

Prior to my Porsche I owned a Megane RS with cloth Recaros (again leather was seen as the premium material); before that was a 1 Series BMW with M-Sport pack with seats very similar to Sport Tex (leather bolsters with a similar Sport Tex type material for the squab etc.)

 

[AVM]

My SA called me just yesterday to inquire 'how things were going with my new vehicle?' Among my many positive comments was how impressed I was with the Sport Tex seats.

My SA indicated Porsche did a relatively poor job promoting the Sport Tex seats as an 'option,' and felt the material option would likely be discontinued due to perceived lack of consumer interest.

I would absolutely, 100% pursue this option if/when I build my next Porsche, and hope Porsche does not discontinue the option moving forward.

Again, for those who have not seen, or are not familiar with the Sport Tex seat option, the material is not only extremely comfortable, durable and aesthetically quite pleasing . . . the material is located in the central portion of the seat and accented by leather surround. Not sure getting the 'entire' seat in Sport Tex material is an option, but I am certain it would also be very appealing if offered as such.

AVM

 

[Chris NZ]

I do think that buyers who are looking to own their car for a long time should seriously consider Sport Tex as it will wear better than leather and look a lot better in ten years time.

 

[dreamer]

Had I specd my own car I may have gone down the Sport Tex route. And although they may be cooler, I have become a big fan of my ventilated seats. One of the best surprises I found in my car.

 

[Graustark]

I think the Sport-Tex seats are a great option and a great different look. Just not for me. I am in Texas, so ventilated seats are a "required" option in my mind, which is only available with leather, not with either Sport-Tex or Alcantara.

My VW GTI has the plaid fabric seats, which I am guessing is fairly similar to Sport-Tex fabric (no offense!), and I still get back sweat on long drives, and especially during any non-winter months.

 

[AVM]

I think the Sport-Tex seats are a great option and a great different look. Just not for me. I am in Texas, so ventilated seats are a "required" option in my mind, which is only available with leather, not with either Sport-Tex or Alcantara.

My VW GTI has the plaid fabric seats, which I am guessing is fairly similar to Sport-Tex fabric (no offense!), and I still get back sweat on long drives, and especially during any non-winter months.

Graustark

Of course, I am not a Porsche salesman, nor do I pretend to have any special expertise in seat materials.

The above stated, I too live in a southern climate. Cannot argue with perforated seats that have cooling function. They are a nice option, just as heated seats in a cold climate.

The nice thing about the Sport Tex that I want to reiterate with respect to the southern climate is that they do not appear to absorb/retain heat (e.g., when left out in the sun). This, in contrast to leather seats.

The Sport Tex seats are not ‘ventilated,’ per se, but they breath extremely well. Namely, unlike non-ventilated leather seating material, I have never experienced sweating and moisture trapping. . . a characteristic of all leather seating, not just leather car seats.

As far as long-term wear goes, I cannot yet comment on the durability other than to state they SEEM extremely durable. What I can state with relatively short-term experience is that the Sport Tex seats are more comfortable and ‘hold’ me in place more securely than leather.

All said, sounds like I am trying to sell the Sport Tex option I really am not. I had not even heard of the Sport Tex option until I possessed the material. Hope my enthusiasm is taken as intended – not as any type of sales pitch.

AVM

 

[Graustark]

Graustark

Of course, I am not a Porsche salesman, nor do I pretend to have any special expertise in seat materials.

The above stated, I too live in a southern climate. Cannot argue with perforated seats that have cooling function. They are a nice option, just as heated seats in a cold climate.

The nice thing about the Sport Tex that I want to reiterate with respect to the southern climate is that they do not appear to absorb/retain heat (e.g., when left out in the sun). This, in contrast to leather seats.

The Sport Tex seats are not ‘ventilated,’ per se, but they breath extremely well. Namely, unlike non-ventilated leather seating material, I have never experienced sweating and moisture trapping. . . a characteristic of all leather seating, not just leather car seats.

As far as long-term wear goes, I cannot yet comment on the durability other than to state they SEEM extremely durable. What I can state with relatively short-term experience is that the Sport Tex seats are more comfortable and ‘hold’ me in place more securely than leather.

All said, sounds like I am trying to sell the Sport Tex option I really am not. I had not even heard of the Sport Tex option until I possessed the material. Hope my enthusiasm is taken as intended – not as any type of sales pitch.

AVM

Agree with all that you stated! I would have seriously considered Sport-Tex if ventilation were possible. As I plan to have the 718 garaged at all possible times, it will avoid a lot of the hot summer leather / cold winter leather. That was part of my logic for going fabric vs leather on the VW GTI nine years ago, as it would not got enough covered parking time. (Plus, when else can one get plaid seats?? – Second only to Porsche Pepita Houndstooth.)

If you buy a 718 to race, Sport-Tex sounds like the blatantly obvious choice for its excellent grip.

 

[Yuro]

G:

I had a '19 Carrera T with Sport-tex seats. They were black with silver pinstripes...just gorgeous. The Cayman T has them available too. I'd get them again.

My CGTS has black full leather heated and cooled seats. They're nice too. I think they're a little more "formal" looking than I like though. Sport-tex suits my lifestyle better and will probably last a lifetime.

I don't think my leather Sport + seats are very slippery though. They're perforated.

Sport-tex is slipperier than I thought it would be...Not as grippy as Alcantara but more grip than leather...Should be tough as nails over the long haul. I like it.

 

[Ilz]

It's possible that Sport Tex seats would be more popular if it wasn't paired with leather interior trim as another $2,500 to $2,900 add on. It's a juxtaposition for an otherwise utilitarian / practical option.

 

[Chris NZ]

It's possible that Sport Tex seats would be more popular if it wasn't paired with leather interior trim as another $2,500 to $2,900 add on. It's a juxtaposition for an otherwise utilitarian / practical option.

Fair comment. I think they are trying to differentiate it from the base offerings and position it as a premium option and that, if it was say a NCO alongside leather (without the additional interior leather trim), most people would just choose leather.

 

[Swdea]

I have a 2018 Boxster with the Graphite Blue and Chalk Sport-Tex interior. I also have a 2019 Panamera 4 with full leather interior and ventilated seats. I'll take the Sport-Tex seats every day of the week. In my opinion, the ventilated seats are very ineffective - most of the time I barely feel it. The Sport-Tex seats are cool in the summer and warm in the cooler weather (I don't drive this car in the winter) and hold you firmly during spirited driving. In cooler weather the heated Sport-Tex seats heat up almost instantly.

 

[Willibn]

Welcome to 2021... I just picked up my Cayman with sport tex seats. I was very impressed with the quality and feel of the fabric. Pictures don't do it justice on the website. It's almost like a small weave mesh. Anyway...

After just a few short drives I keep finding my backside very warm. It's so warm that it's confusing enough for me to start joining forums and looking for answers. While I've seen pretty much only positive impressions, I felt it necessary to share mine. After 30 minutes, I'm lifting my legs and sitting forward to "air out". I'm concerned about how I'll feel on a long road trip. It's noticeably uncomfortable. I'm so confused, is the heater on by accident eventhough the button is off? Also after immediately getting out of the vehicle, I reach down and touch the seat, and yes it's quite warm. To help paint the picture, I'm in sunny southern California and I'm a small guy... So, there you have it, one guy with real world experience that defies the norm it seems. I hope this helps someone out there. I'd try it before you buy it!!

 

[Chris NZ]

The only problem with Sport-Tex in 2021 is that it is no longer available as an option on new cars, which is very disappointing.